Tips for Joan Jett guitar tone?

[soundstruck]

Hi everyone ~

I'm going to be performing Joan Jett music live and I'm looking for any tips on tone before purchasing any new gear.

I have the Joan Jett Signature MM Gibson (stock), and I'm playing through a Fender '65 Super Reverb Re-Issue (also stock).

Any tips on amp settings or dist/OD pedals that can help get me there?

Thanks in advance. :-)

[candletears7]

I used a vintage 45 watt Bandmaster head through a 2x12 cab the other night. I ran my WF Rat through it, and it nailed that static-y fuzzy distortion sound from 'I love Rock and Roll'.

[soundstruck]

Originally Posted by candletears7

I used a vintage 45 watt Bandmaster head through a 2x12 cab the other night. I ran my WF Rat through it, and it nailed that static-y fuzzy distortion sound from 'I love Rock and Roll'.

Thanks.

I will need to use the amp that I already have (4x10 cab).

Can I get a decent sound with the WF Rat and the amp I have? (Fender '65 Super Rerverb Re-Issue).

[candletears7]

Well yeah I guess, it's mainly about the sound of the amp, that scooped high highs and low lows really makes the pedal sound quite sharp and abrasive. Different through a Marshall where it sounds juicy and fat. I guess any distortion pedal could get you in the ballpark (as long as you use a clean Marshall), it's just that I used the Rat.

[Charmless]

Velvet Hammer pu?

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...d.php?t=495916

[Nota]

AFAIK she just uses a straight up distortion sound. Marshall-esque. With a Fender that just means getting a distortion pedal like a Rat or whatever.

Joan is more about attitude than an exact sound, IMHO. Just get a pedal, tweak for the right amount of distortion, and throw down the power chords.

[lakesider]

Big way to get the sound is how you play.
When Joan plays a second position bar chord (like a D at the 5th position) she is really pounding on the 5th below too (the A on the low E string)

And assume the sport stance before you start. Feet at least shoulder width apart.

[Nota]

Stances improve tone.

True story.

[cg]

Love Joan Jett!

[Nota]

FWIW, I read here:

In a recent interview with Gibson, Jett described her sound as “straight-up distorted.” With a Mesa Boogie Mark 3 running through a Vox AC30, Joan combines a couple of classics to create an unforgettable tone.

I find this sort of funny. What's more rockin' than ONE amp? Jett does it one better. But no pedals, just two amps.

Also this is a more recent article, not sure what she used in the 80's. I sort of doubt she frequents TGP looking for boutique pedals though.

[rico1204]

I played a few of her songs in a previous band. Went with a Wampler Plextortion thru my HRD.

[itkindaworks]

You don't need a distortion pedal when you can crank a Boogie and AC30, most people can't do that.

I vote a Rat.

[imguitardan]

I 7th the Rat rec. Instantly what I thought of. Set the knobs 9:00, 3:00, 3:00 (left to right) for the win.

[soundstruck]

Thanks to all of you for the helpful feedback. Thanks, Lakesider for the barre chord notes...good stuff. I'll check out the RAT pedal and suggested settings. What about pedals like the Fetto Nord +, or Top Tone DG-2...been reading about those.

I have read a few things about JJ's set up, the amps she uses, and the Velvet Hammer PU in her guitar -- if money were no object, I would be able to get a lot closer. I was trying to find out if given my current amp/cab combo there was a different way to get close enough. I have to use the Fender for back to back shows and don't want to cart around 2 amps. Now, maybe if I actually had roadies and techs (but, hey that's a different story..lol).

I'm not very familiar with all the pedals frequently referenced in these forums, as I hadn't had a need for them....my sound had mostly been pretty clean prior to this project. I've been doing a Pretenders tribute for years now (pretentiousrocks.com if you're interested in checking it out).

I love the feedback regarding playing style and attitude, and I agree wholeheartedly. THAT, I think I can deliver. ;-)

I had the opportunity to see JJ live and up close this past weekend. She blew me away, as always. Definitely one of my heroes.

[Peteyvee]

Rat, put the SR on about 5 and play your MM like you mean it. Don't forget the stance, either. It's more attitude than anything else...